Super League attendances and Sky Sports viewing figures rise in August

Super League attendances and Sky Sports viewing figures for the month of August were up by more than 25% compared to the same month last year.

The Super 8s and Middles 8s structure was replaced by loop fixtures and the traditional top five play-off format ahead of this season.

Sky Sports has seen a 27% increase in average audiences in August compared to last year, while TV figures in July were up by 24% compared to 2018.

Five clubs – Salford, St Helens, Catalans, Warrington and Hull KR – have reported their highest increase in attendances over the last five seasons, with the Red Devils and Dragons up 25% in August.

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone believes the rise in popularity is down to a “bankable” format that provides more certainly for fans and broadcasters.

He said: “The new format and a stronger fixture list has seen great numbers across the opening rounds and an Easter record.

“Across the summer, the race to make the top five or avoid relegation has grabbed the attention of all Super League fans.

“There’s been something at stake in almost every match over the past couple of months.

“And all of that comes to an amazing conclusion this weekend when nerves will be shredded and emotions will run high. We couldn’t have written it better.’’

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